The atmosphere within the Imperial encampment remained tense long after Commander Reinhardt collapsed.
Healers surrounded the unconscious commander while restoration magic illuminated the surrounding area in waves of golden light. Nearby, medical teams rushed between injured soldiers, treating wounds that varied from simple fractures to horrifying injuries that should have been fatal. Several survivors remained conscious, but their expressions disturbed Aurelion far more than their physical condition. These were elite Imperial soldiers. Veterans who had survived battlefields, monster hunts, and military campaigns throughout the continent. Yet now many stared into empty space with hollow eyes, as though portions of their souls remained trapped somewhere far away.
Fear.
Not ordinary fear.
The fear of someone whose understanding of reality had been shattered.
The sight alone silenced countless questions.
