The sun had set on the horizon, casting long shadows over the Iron Empire's fortress. Arin's group, alongside their newly allied forces, prepared to face an army skilled in both strategy and brutality.
Arin gripped his sword.
"This time, only unity can keep us alive. One mistake… and it may be our last."
A wave of iron-clad soldiers and war machines surged ahead. The Shadow Wardens loomed behind them, filling the battlefield.
Lyra unleashed her magical arrows, each one casting streaks of blue flame upon the enemy.
Kai lunged with his spear, carving paths for the group to advance.
The Silent Sorceress formed a circle of glowing runes.
"Synchronize the flames and steel… only together will your true power manifest."
The first wave of enemies charged with coordinated shouts and strikes. Explosions of fire and metal rang out with deafening force. Arin's group pressed forward, each blow and arrow buying them ground.
But the Shadow Wardens grew faster and more resilient with each strike. Darkness oozed from beneath the ground, spreading across the field.
"We cannot fall back… we must repel this assault!" Arin shouted, straining with effort.
At that moment, a Shadow Warden of immense power appeared in the center of the battlefield, shaking the army to its core. For a brief moment, both the Iron soldiers and Arin's allies froze.
"This is only the beginning of the real battle…" Arin called out, readying himself and his friends to fight with all their strength.