After getting enough rest, Ethan arrived outside the northern gate with Yuna at his side.
Morning light washed over the area, casting long shadows across the open ground in front of the alliance camp.
The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and steel.
Nathan was already there, sitting tall on his horse. Behind him stood twenty-two thousand soldiers, their armor aligned in disciplined rows, banners fluttering quietly in the early breeze.
This was the second invasion force of the Eastern Alliance's first combined army, fully assembled and waiting.
"Attention!" Nathan shouted, his voice ringing clearly across the formation.
At the sound of his command, the soldiers straightened instinctively.
Ethan and Yuna rode forward, passing through the open ranks until they stopped directly in front of Nathan. .
Nathan urged his horse forward a few steps, closing the distance.
