Inside the Korasium Kingdom's palace, specifically in the closed meeting chamber on the east wing, the atmosphere was heavy and tense. Military leaders, royal advisors, and commanders of the main units gathered around a large round table. Spread across the table was a wide map of the Sulland continent, marked with fortresses, troop routes, and enemy strategic positions.
King Leinhart sat upright in the main chair. Though no longer young, his authority and sharp mind remained irreplaceable. At his right stood General Yuvan, the kingdom's chief strategist, pointing at the map with a wooden stick.
"Livasol Kingdom," Yuvan began, his voice firm and resonating throughout the room. "They have layered defenses with twenty main fortresses that support each other. Each fortress is equipped with archer towers, double walls, and independent supply routes. If we attack a single fortress without a solid plan, we'll only be trapped in a prolonged war."
The generals and advisors nodded, some quickly jotting down notes. General Yuvan continued.
"We cannot attack using outdated tactics. We need a strategy that is swift and coordinated. Two days from now, five major formations will move simultaneously from different points, targeting the enemy's weak lines. A total of 50,000 troops will be deployed, including 10,000 new recruits."
Murmurs filled the room. Including fresh recruits in such a large mission was no light decision.
King Leinhart spoke, his voice deep yet filled with conviction. "We don't have time to wait. Livasol is preparing to expand southward. If we don't act first, they'll reach the heart of our defenses."
General Yuvan nodded. "Exactly, Your Majesty. We have chosen five lieutenants to lead each division. They were selected for their proven abilities on the battlefield."
He then listed their names and expertise:
1. Lieutenant Darvos – a land strategy expert. His strength lies in reading terrain and using the environment as a weapon. He once defeated an army twice his size by luring them into a narrow valley and causing a rockslide.
2. Lieutenant Kirel – cavalry commander. With years of experience leading mounted units, he is known as a shadow on the battlefield. His movements are swift, unpredictable, and capable of striking from the most unexpected angles.
3. Lieutenant Selga – a veteran of heavy infantry. Known for his ability to boost troop morale under the worst conditions. He once held the line for two weeks without reinforcements on a border, maintaining formation and protecting the wounded.
4. Lieutenant Harven – logistics expert. Under his management, troops never lack supplies, even in remote areas. Harven knows when and how to manage food, ammunition, and personnel rotation to keep everything optimal.
5. Lieutenant Rubeck – a former elite archer. Now leading long-range units and scout teams. He is highly trained in reading wind direction, enemy movement patterns, and planning stealth operations with complete composure.
Each name was greeted with respectful nods. These were not just powerful officers—they were trusted by the entire army.
Yuvan pointed again to the map, this time at a place named Fort Faar.
"This is our first target. It's located in the northeast region of Livasol. If we capture Faar within three days, the main route to their central city will open. After that, we can pressure the surrounding cities from their weakest side."
Following the announcement of the plan, official orders were immediately sent to all military camps. Messengers rode the fastest horses, cutting through the night toward every garrison.
At Sword Camp, as night began to fall and the soldiers gathered for dinner, a royal messenger entered the courtyard carrying a gold-sealed scroll.
"Orders from the palace!" he shouted.
All chatter instantly ceased. Instructors stood at attention, then opened the scroll and read aloud:
"In the name of the Kingdom of Korasium, all trainees are to prepare within two days. Those who have passed the basic phase will be deployed as part of official units. Command assignments and unit placements will be announced tomorrow morning."
The news spread like wildfire. The mood changed instantly. Laughter gave way to anxious whispers, blank stares, and faces full of questions. Many of them had never seen a battlefield—some hadn't even finished their full training.
Bima stood still. Cold sweat ran down his temple, but his eyes remained calm. Beside him, Togar clenched his fist.
"I can't even hold the big shield properly yet… and now we're being sent to war?" he muttered.
Rano took a deep breath. "But this is the path we chose. Like it or not, we have to face it."
Gito stayed as calm as always, but his fingers were busy tightening his bowstring. "There's no room for doubt now."
That night, the camp was filled with restlessness. Some wrote what could be their last letters, others trained harder than ever. Many sat in silence, gazing at the night sky as if searching for answers.
But beneath it all, one thing was certain: they would march. Alongside thousands of others, they would become part of something historic—their names either remembered or lost to war.
The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, rows of soldiers stood in formation on the training field. Names were called, units assigned, and lieutenants began recognizing the faces they would lead into battle.
Bima, along with Togar, Rano, and Gito, was assigned to Lieutenant Darvos's formation—the land division that would strike directly at Fort Faar.
And so, their true journey began.