A week passed.
Across Lumeris, the sounds of preparation filled the kingdom.
Blacksmiths worked day and night.
Supply wagons rolled through the capital.
Messengers raced between forts and cities.
And beyond the borders...
Norvoss was gathering.
The war everyone had feared was finally approaching.
Inside the royal war chamber, generals and commanders stood around a large map.
Colored markers covered the border regions.
Routes.
Fortifications.
Supply lines.
Everything had been prepared.
Now only one question remained.
Who would lead?
Ebruhan stepped forward.
"I shall lead the charge, my king."
His voice was calm.
Certain.
As if there had never been another possibility.
Several commanders nodded.
It made sense.
If the kingdom possessed a dragon capable of turning battlefields upside down...
That dragon should lead.
But King Cedric simply stared at him.
Then slowly rose from his throne.
The room fell silent.
"And allow you and my soldiers to face danger while I remain behind a throne?"
His voice echoed throughout the chamber.
The king descended the steps.
"Not a chance."
Several nobles exchanged startled looks.
Cedric stopped beside the war table.
"I will join the battlefield."
The room erupted.
"My king!"
"Your Majesty!"
"That is too dangerous!"
Cedric silenced them with a single glance.
Then turned toward an elderly man standing nearby.
"Grand Regent."
The old statesman immediately bowed.
"Your Majesty."
Cedric nodded.
"You shall assume temporary authority over the kingdom during my absence."
The Grand Regent hesitated.
Then slowly lowered his head.
"As you command."
Across the room, Ebruhan frowned.
"My king..."
The words carried concern.
Not disobedience.
Concern.
Cedric looked toward him.
A small smile appeared on the king's face.
One that only old friends could understand.
"What is it, old friend?"
The room grew quiet.
Very few people ever heard the king address Ebruhan that way.
Cedric folded his arms.
Then chuckled.
"Do you think I am too old to fight?"
Several younger nobles looked nervous.
Because the king was no longer young.
His hair carried streaks of gray.
His face bore the marks of time.
But Ebruhan remembered something they didn't.
He remembered a younger Cedric.
A king riding into battle.
A man willing to stand before monsters to protect his people.
A stubborn fool who had once helped an injured dragon in the forest.
The blue dragon released a long sigh.
"That is not what concerns me."
Cedric raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Ebruhan met his gaze.
"My concern is that the soldiers may become too reckless."
The room listened.
"They will see their king fighting beside them."
"They will refuse to retreat."
"They will throw themselves into danger."
A pause.
"And so will you."
For a moment, silence filled the chamber.
Then Cedric laughed.
A genuine laugh.
"Now that sounds more accurate."
Several commanders couldn't help smiling.
Because everyone knew it was true.
The king placed a hand on Ebruhan's shoulder.
A gesture few others would ever dare.
"You have protected this kingdom for years."
Cedric's voice softened slightly.
"But this is still my kingdom."
His eyes hardened.
"My people."
"My responsibility."
The old king looked around the chamber.
At his generals.
His nobles.
His commanders.
"If I ask them to risk their lives for Lumeris..."
His voice became firm.
"...then I shall risk mine as well."
Nobody argued after that.
Because there was nothing left to say.
The decision had already been made.
And everyone in the room knew it.
For a moment, Ebruhan simply stared at the king.
Then the dragon slowly nodded.
"Very well, my king."
A small smile appeared on Cedric's face.
The storm was coming.
And when it arrived...
King and dragon would stand together.
Just as they always had.
--------
Kingdom of Norvoss
Thousands of soldiers stood in formation beneath a sea of crimson banners.
Rows upon rows of armored infantry stretched across the field.
Cavalry waited at the flanks.
Supply wagons lined the roads behind them.
The army of Norvoss was ready to march.
Upon a raised platform stood King Idris.
Age and illness had weakened his body.
But not his presence.
The moment he stepped forward, the entire field fell silent.
His gaze swept across the soldiers.
The men and women who would soon leave their homes for war.
"People of Norvoss."
His voice carried across the field.
"Many of you were born after the days of our suffering."
"Many of you never witnessed the humiliation our kingdom once endured."
A heavy silence followed.
"But I remember."
The king's eyes hardened.
"I remember hunger."
"I remember foreign banners over our lands."
"I remember watching our people suffer while stronger nations looked away."
The soldiers listened without a sound.
"We were mocked."
"We were exploited."
"We were treated as weak."
His voice grew stronger with every word.
"And yet..."
"We endured."
The army straightened.
"We built roads where there were none."
"We rebuilt cities from ruin."
"We forged strength from hardship."
"We created a future where our children would never know the chains we once carried."
The king looked toward the horizon.
Toward Lumeris.
"This march is not for greed."
"It is not for glory."
"It is not for conquest alone."
His voice echoed across the field.
"It is for the future."
"A future where Norvoss will never kneel again."
"A future where no foreign power can threaten our people."
"A future secured by your courage."
The soldiers raised their weapons.
Thousands of blades caught the sunlight.
King Idris lifted a trembling hand.
"Return victorious."
"Return with honor."
"And return knowing that Norvoss shall remember your sacrifice."
A thunderous roar answered him.
"For Norvoss!"
"For Norvoss!"
"FOR NORVOSS!"
The sound rolled across the plains like a storm.
Even after the speech ended, the soldiers continued shouting their oath.
Later...
Inside the palace.
The cheers were gone.
The banners were gone.
The king's strength vanished with them.
The moment the doors closed behind him, Idris staggered.
A violent cough escaped his throat.
Blood stained his hand.
Selene immediately caught his arm.
"Father."
Concern flashed across her face.
"Please rest."
The king shook his head.
"I'm fine."
Another cough betrayed the lie.
Selene guided him toward a chair.
"You shouldn't have spoken that long."
A tired smile appeared on his face.
"My daughter."
His voice was weaker now.
Far weaker than before.
Selene hold king arms
"I will make you proud."
The old king gently laughed.
A fragile sound.
"You already have."
His eyes softened.
"You already have, my daughter."
Another cough interrupted him.
Blood stained his sleeve.
Yet he ignored it completely.
For a brief moment, Selene looked away.
Because seeing the strongest man in her life become fragile was something she still couldn't accept.
--
Kingdom of Lumeris
---
Far away, another army gathered.
Blue banners fluttered in the wind.
Soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder.
Knights mounted their horses.
Archers lined the rear ranks.
At the front stood King Cedric.
Beside him stood Ebruhan.
The blue dragon's presence alone inspired confidence throughout the army.
Cedric stepped forward.
Unlike Norvoss, there was no grand platform.
No elaborate ceremony.
Just a king standing among his people.
"My friends."
The simple greeting immediately drew every eye toward him.
"I will not lie to you."
The soldiers listened.
"The days ahead will be difficult."
"There will be fear."
"There will be hardship."
"There will be loss."
His honesty surprised many.
"But understand this."
The king's voice strengthened.
"We do not stand here because we desire war."
"We stand here because our homes are behind us."
He pointed toward the distant kingdom.
"Our families are behind us."
"Our children are behind us."
"Our future is behind us."
The soldiers tightened their grips on their weapons.
"Lumeris has never sought to rule others."
"We have never sought to take what belongs to another kingdom."
His gaze hardened.
"But neither will we surrender what belongs to us."
A murmur of agreement spread through the ranks.
Cedric drew his sword.
The blade gleamed beneath the sun.
"I do not ask you to fight for me."
The king raised the weapon high.
"I ask you to fight for one another."
"For your homes."
"For your families."
"For the kingdom that raised you."
The army erupted.
Cheers spread through the ranks.
Weapons lifted into the air.
Beside the king, Ebruhan transformed.
Blue mana exploded outward.
A dragon appeared above the army.
The ground trembled.
Soldiers looked up.
Confidence surged through their hearts.
Then Ebruhan roared.
A mighty roar that echoed across the entire valley.
A roar of challenge.
A roar of defiance.
A roar that seemed to shake the heavens themselves.
Thousands of voices answered.
"For Lumeris!"
"For Lumeris!"
"FOR LUMERIS!"
The oath thundered across the kingdom.
A promise shared by king, soldier, and dragon alike.
Cedric looked toward the distant horizon.
Toward the approaching enemy.
Toward the war that could change everything.
The old king slowly lowered his sword.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Let them come."
And across the kingdom, an entire army prepared to answer.
-------
The atmosphere at the Vinson Estate felt heavier than usual.
War had a way of reaching even the quietest places.
Servants moved more quietly.
Conversations were shorter.
And preparations were happening everywhere.
Inside the estate's armory, Vinson adjusted the straps of his armor.
His sword rested against the wall beside him.
Though no longer a young man, the count still looked every bit the warrior he had once been.
The door suddenly opened.
"Father!"
Leo stepped inside.
His expression was determined.
Almost desperate.
Vinson already knew what was coming.
He sighed.
"No."
Leo stopped.
"You didn't even let me ask."
"I know what you're going to ask."
Vinson tightened one of the buckles on his armor.
"And the answer is still no."
Leo clenched his fists.
"I want to come."
"No."
"I'm ready."
"No."
"Father!"
Vinson finally turned toward him.
His expression was firm.
Unyielding.
"This is not training, Leo."
His voice carried a weight that immediately silenced the room.
"This is war."
The words hung in the air.
"You won't be facing opponents one at a time."
"You won't be fighting honorable duels."
"You won't have someone standing beside you explaining your mistakes afterward."
The count stepped closer.
"In war, ten men attack one."
"In war, arrows come from places you never see."
"In war, good soldiers die."
His voice softened slightly.
"And in war, sons don't always return home."
Leo lowered his gaze.
But his determination didn't disappear.
"I'm not a child anymore."
His voice was quieter now.
"I'm eighteen."
"I've trained."
"I've fought."
"I can help."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then Vinson placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"I know."
The answer surprised Leo.
The count smiled sadly.
"I know exactly how much you've grown."
His eyes softened.
"But I'm still your father."
The smile disappeared.
"And because I'm your father..."
His grip tightened slightly.
"I know you're not ready."
Leo opened his mouth.
Then closed it again.
Because deep down...
A part of him knew Vinson wasn't saying it out of doubt.
He was saying it out of fear.
A voice suddenly spoke from the doorway.
"...I..."
Both turned.
Mia stood there in human form.
Blue eyes watching quietly.
Vinson immediately pointed at her.
"And you."
Mia froze.
The count crossed his arms.
"No."
"I didn't even say anything."
"You were about to."
Mia looked away.
Caught.
Vinson sighed.
Then walked toward both of them.
"I don't care how strong you are, Mia."
His voice was gentle.
But firm.
"I don't care that you survived the Abyss."
"I don't care that you're a dragon."
"I don't care that you've fought things most soldiers couldn't even imagine."
For a brief moment, the count looked tired.
Older.
Like a father carrying a burden nobody else could see.
"You're still young."
His gaze moved between Leo and Mia.
"Both of you are."
The room became silent.
Then Vinson spoke the words that truly mattered.
"I won't send my children into a battlefield."
Leo looked up.
Mia's eyes widened slightly.
Not my son.
Not the dragon.
Not the heir.
Not the ward.
My children.
Vinson's voice lowered.
"If something happens to me..."
He stopped himself.
Then shook his head.
"No."
A small smile appeared.
"When I come back..."
His hand rested briefly on Leo's shoulder.
Then on Mia's head.
"I expect both of you to still be here."
Leo's eyes were already red.
He had tried to stay strong.
Tried to act like an adult.
Tried to prove he was ready.
But at the end of the day...
He was still a son watching his father march to war.
Without saying a word, Leo stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Vinson.
The count froze for a moment.
Then slowly returned the embrace.
Neither spoke.
Because there was nothing to say.
Every important word had already been spoken.
Eventually, Leo stepped back.
Quickly wiping his eyes before anyone could comment.
Vinson smiled.
A small smile.
The kind fathers gave when pretending they hadn't noticed.
"Take care of the estate."
Leo nodded.
"I will."
"And take care of Mia."
Leo looked toward the black dragon.
A faint grin appeared.
"That one might be harder."
Mia immediately glared at him.
"I'm standing right here."
For the first time that morning, Vinson laughed.
Then he picked up his helmet.
Turned.
And walked away.
Nearby, Emma adjusted her traveling cloak.
A staff rested against her shoulder.
Unlike many mages, she wasn't remaining behind.
She had chosen to accompany the army.
Mia blinked.
"Wait."
"You're going too?"
Emma smiled.
A little nervously.
"I'm a battle mage, Mia."
Her expression softened.
"If soldiers are risking their lives..."
"I should be there helping them."
The dragon lowered her head.
Emma stepped forward and gently patted Mia's shoulder.
"Take care of yourself."
Then she looked toward Leo.
"And keep her out of trouble."
Then turned and joined the departing forces.
Meanwhile...
At the royal palace.
The atmosphere was much quieter.
Much heavier.
King Cedric stood before the palace gates.
Not as a ruler.
Not as a commander.
But as a husband and a father.
The queen stood before him.
Trying her best to remain composed.
Beside her stood the prince.
Her eyes glistening.
Cedric smiled gently.
Then lowered himself slightly and kissed his son forehead.
"Be brave."
The prince nodded.
Though tears were already forming.
Then the queen stepped forward and embraced him.
Tightly.
As if trying to memorize the feeling.
For a brief moment...
The king simply held her.
No speeches.
No promises.
Just silence.
Eventually they separated.
Neither willing to make the goodbye harder than it already was.
Then a massive shadow fell across the palace courtyard.
Ebruhan.
The blue dragon stood ready.
Wings folded.
Golden eyes scanning the gathering army.
Cedric climbed onto his old friend's back.
The movement was familiar.
Practiced.
As though they had done it a hundred times before.
Perhaps they had.
The king looked down at the soldiers assembling below.
Thousands of men and women waiting.
Watching.
His voice carried across the courtyard.
"If any of you wish to remain behind..."
He paused.
"You are free to do so."
Silence followed.
Not a single soldier moved.
A faint smile appeared on Cedric's face.
"Then I shall see all of you at the border."
Ebruhan's wings spread.
The force of it sent dust swirling across the courtyard.
Then the dragon launched into the sky.
The king's banner rose above the capital.
Visible to every soldier below.
A roar echoed across the heavens.
And the army began to move.
Thousands of boots struck the roads.
Wagons rolled forward.
Horses marched.
Banners fluttered.
From the walls of the capital, citizens watched silently.
Some waved.
Some prayed.
Some cried.
And slowly...
The army of Lumeris marched toward the border.
Toward Norvoss incoming forces
Toward war.
While behind them, the kingdom grew smaller in the distance.
And ahead of them...
History waited.