The mage tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "I don't understand why the emperor insists on sending fodder after fodder. So many needless sacrifices at the frontlines. If he deployed his real forces, this war would look very different."
"Beats me," Hiro answered with a shrug. "But I don't mind. As long as we keep the caliber low, they'll do the same. No need to escalate when everyone's still testing each other's patience. And frankly, the lull these past months has been a blessing. Both sides are holding back, preserving their strength." His smirk returned, sharper now. "And the longer the war drags on, the stronger we become."
"True enough," the mage said, his grin widening. "I've had plenty of time to test a few new spells. Learned one recently that can cook a man's insides right where he stands. The blood boils, the organs shrivel… imagine it." His eyes gleamed with excitement, morbid and unrestrained.
