The war room felt too small for the weight inside it.
A massive stone table dominated the chamber, buried under maps, glowing artifacts, troop markers, and hastily scrawled reports. Every major force stood gathered around it—Vael, Mei, Eryndra, Zera, Kael, Juno, Elias, Elara… and at the far end, the King himself.
His hands rested flat on the table.
"This is no longer a skirmish," he said, voice iron-hard. "It's war."
Reider stood with his arms crossed, expression frozen, eyes unreadable. "So what's the plan?"
Vael leaned forward immediately, fingers tracing routes across the map. "We divide the fronts. If we don't, they'll strike everywhere at once and drown us in chaos."
Eryndra had already climbed onto the table, sitting cross-legged atop a pile of documents, grinning. "Let me guess—I get the fun part."
Kael shot her a warning look. "No recklessness. One mistake costs thousands of lives."
Juno sat quietly nearby, eyes closed, tea steaming gently in his hands, listening without a word.
The King raised his hand, silencing the room. "Enough. Here are the roles."
His finger pointed to Reider first.
"Reider. You lead the main assault. They expect Vael. They won't expect you."
Reider didn't hesitate. "Understood."
The King turned. "Vael. You and Juno strike the eastern flank. Eliminate their mages."
Vael nodded once. "Consider it done."
Juno cracked one eye open, smirking faintly. "Should be entertaining."
"Eryndra," the King continued. "You handle rogue units. Supply lines. Disruption."
Her eyes gleamed. "Finally."
"Kael. Zera. You protect Mei and maintain defense. If civilians are targeted, you stop it."
Kael's nod was absolute. "It will be done."
Zera smiled thinly. "Anyone who tries will regret it."
Mei remained quiet, studying the map, worry etched into her face—but her spine stayed straight.
The King's gaze shifted again. "Elias. Elara. Enemy commanders. Kill them before they organize."
Elara laughed. "Now that sounds fun. Come on, brother."
Elias nodded coolly. "They won't see us coming."
Reider leaned forward then, finger pressing directly onto the marked stronghold.
"What about Lucian and Aldric?"
The King's jaw tightened. "After the army breaks, we take the fight to them."
Vael glanced sideways at Reider. "You want them yourself."
"They threatened my family," Reider replied flatly. "I'll end them."
Mei looked at him with a soft, sad smile.
Elara tilted her head. "Aw. You do care."
Reider didn't even look at her. "My wife is not 'something.'"
Elara's grin widened. "Protective. Cute."
Eryndra snorted. "Get in line."
Juno finally opened both eyes. "Focus. War first."
The King raised his hand again. "This is our only chance. Win, and the world breathes again. Fail—everything ends."
Reider stepped forward, voice cold, absolute. "Then we don't fail."
Silence followed.
Then Reider leaned further over the map, eyes locked on Aldric and Lucian's position.
"No military units."
The room stiffened.
Vael blinked. "You want to face them without an army?"
"I won't drag innocents into my fight," Reider replied.
Zera exhaled slowly. "That's either brave or insane."
"They'll throw everything at you," Kael warned.
Reider met his gaze. "Let them."
Eryndra watched him with open interest now. "You're making this personal."
"It is."
Elara smirked. "What if they release those monsters?"
"I'll handle them too."
Vael's voice softened. "You don't have to do this alone."
Reider paused, then turned to her. "Not yet. I won't risk you unless you're needed."
She frowned—but nodded. "If it goes wrong, I won't stay back."
"Deal."
Juno spoke quietly. "You'll need more than strength."
"Plans change when blades meet," Reider said. "I adapt."
Kael studied him. "And if you fall?"
Mei answered before Reider could. "He won't."
Reider looked at her, something warm flickering briefly. "I won't."
Elara leaned toward Elias, whispering, "I really like him."
The King finally spoke again. "If you take this burden, we trust you. But if you fail, we intervene."
"I expect nothing less."
Eryndra stretched. "So I just sit around and look pretty?"
Reider glanced at her. "Yes."
She burst out laughing. "You owe me a fight."
Zera smirked toward Vael. "Your boy's got guts."
Vael watched Reider closely. "More than they know."
Reider returned to the map, eyes locked on the enemy stronghold.
"Tell them I'm coming."
No one spoke.
Kael murmured to the King, "You think he can do it?"
The King didn't look away. "If anyone can—it's him."
Mei watched Reider, smiling despite the fear.
Vael did the same, knowing exactly how heavy the crown he refused to wear truly was.
Reider turned slightly, power flickering faintly in his eyes.
"It ends soon."