The warriors listened to General Tiberius's words with solemn expressions. Their faces were still blood-smeared, armor dented and scorched, their weapons dulled by repeated killing.
The thrill of victory lingered in their hearts, but none were deluded enough to believe this war would be easy. The overwhelming triumph over the Vorometallicae had not been some stroke of luck—it was the result of careful preparation, layered strategy, and an advantageous position.
They had battle formations sharpened by constant drilling, seasoned commanders who knew the terrain and maximized its potential, and, most importantly, a fortress that wounded the enemy before the first blade even clashed.
The fireball barrage, the tight Sage formations, and the surprise blitzkrieg unit had all been perfectly timed, releasing a wave of destruction and defensive power that surpassed the enemy's capabilities to react.
