The sun dipped behind the outskirts of Rising Sun City, painting the sky in a fiery blend of red and gold, as if foreshadowing the chaos that was to come. Within the stronghold, the courtyard was quieter than usual. The usual clamor of training and drills had subsided, replaced by a tense, almost reverent silence. Tomorrow, the Vardar brothers and their squad would strike the Jin Clan once more, and everyone could feel the weight of what was to come.
Alaric walked slowly among the squad members, observing them with a critical yet approving eye. The month of recuperation and training had strengthened everyone, their equipment now the pinnacle of craftsmanship—king-tier weapons for the top seven and advanced-tier armaments for the rest. Talisman-infused armor gleamed faintly under the last light of day, and each warrior's expression was a mixture of confidence, determination, and anticipation.
"Tomorrow," Alaric began, his voice cutting through the quiet, "we strike hard and fast. The Jin Clan won't expect the full might of the Vardar squad. Every member has trained, every strategy has been refined. There is no room for hesitation."
Yue Rong and Liang Chen stood beside him, their presence commanding yet calm. Yue Rong's sharp gaze swept over the squad, noting every twitch and nervous adjustment, while Liang Chen nodded in agreement, the weight of his experience evident in the subtle set of his shoulders.
Alaric turned to the men who would fight under him, recalling the previous encounter at the auction house. That mission had been swift, efficient, and almost flawless—but this time, the Jin Clan would not be unprepared. "Remember your formations," he continued. "Talismans are to be activated at the first sign of combat. Every spell, every strike, every maneuver must be executed with precision. There will be no mercy, and no mistakes will be forgiven."
The squad nodded in unison, their eyes reflecting the fire of determination. Many of them had been with Alaric and Alex for over a year now. They had seen their brothers' powers grow to terrifying heights, had endured grueling training, and had survived battles that would have killed ordinary soldiers. Now, they were at the peak of their abilities, and the trust between them was absolute.
Later, Alaric retreated to the training hall with Liang Chen and Yue Rong. Using the map of the Jin Clan estate, he meticulously outlined the approach: the entry points, guard rotations, and the position of the inner sanctum where the elite of the clan awaited. "We'll split into two main forces," Alaric explained. "Alex will take the strike team for the inner keep. I'll lead the second squad to neutralize the outer defenses and ensure that nothing interferes with Alex's assault. The talismans you've all mastered will cover us; use them wisely."
Yue Rong pointed to specific choke points, while Liang Chen suggested synchronized strikes to disable patrols silently. Each plan was dissected, each strategy scrutinized and refined until there was no doubt that every member knew their role down to the smallest detail.
By nightfall, Alaric and the brothers gathered in a quiet corner of the stronghold. The glow of the firepit illuminated their faces, highlighting the sharp focus in their eyes. Alaric let himself relax just slightly, acknowledging the pressure that lay ahead. "It's been a long month," he said quietly. "Every single one of you has proven your worth. Tomorrow, we take what is ours and show the Jin Clan the power of the Qin Empire."
Alex, seated across from him, nodded. His aura radiated the calm authority of someone at the peak of the Origin Realm. Though silent, his presence was reassuring. He had trained for three months alone in the forest, mastering spatial, ice, and healing magic, and now, the full force of his powers would be unleashed alongside the squad.
Finally, the brothers made their rounds, checking on their men one last time before the night fully settled in. Equipment was polished, talismans primed, and supplies stocked. Each warrior had a precise understanding of their role, and each one understood that tomorrow could mean bloodshed and glory.
As Alaric climbed to the highest point of the stronghold, looking out over the outskirts of Rising Sun City, he let himself breathe deeply. The air was thick with anticipation, the city lights shimmering faintly in the distance. His mind was calm, yet every nerve was alert. Tomorrow, the Vardar brothers and their squad would bring devastation to the Jin Clan.
The night deepened, and the stronghold quieted completely. Alaric's gaze lingered on the horizon, his hand lightly brushing the hilt of his king-tier sword. In the shadows of the approaching dawn, he whispered to himself, almost as a vow:
"No mercy. No retreat. Victory will be ours."
And with that, the eve of battle settled, carrying the heavy weight of anticipation, preparation, and the inevitable storm that would erupt with the first light of morning.